Photo courtesy of Department of Veterans Affairs

In May, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced changes that will make it easier for veterans enrolled in VA health care to access community care from non-VA providers, at the department’s expense.

Under previous rules, a decision authorizing care from a non-VA provider was jointly made by a veteran and their referring medical provider. A decision on the referral for community care wasn’t considered final until it was reviewed by a second VA doctor.

The VA has implemented language from the DAV-supported Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that removes this extra review step and provides eligible veterans with easier access to community care.

The new, streamlined process for determining the best medical interests for veterans’ care will be backed by training for Veterans Health Administration employees to ensure full compliance with the Elizabeth Dole Act.